Getting a 3G connection for a smartphone is pretty cut and dried right now. Every phone can support it, every network has great deals with plenty of data, and buying a phone cheaply and getting a SIM only plan is a viable alternative to buying a phone on contract.
Call Optus on 1300 137 897 for info on the HTC One SV
But 4G is still new, and still has an exclusive air about it. Not only do you have to go direct with Telstra, Optus or Virgin to get it, you also need to get a compatible handset- and that’s generally in the expensive range. The iPhone 5, Nokia Lumia 920, HTC One XL and Samsung Galaxy S3 are all big expensive handsets to buy outright ($700 - $1000) and only free on plans in the $60 or $70/month range. What if you don’t need all that power, but still want the speed of 4G?
The best option until now has been to go with the Huawel P1 Ascend, which is a decent enough phone. But the problem with lower-profile manufacturers (which Huawei is, in the mobile space) is that updates for software come a lot slower, if at all. The ‘you get what you pay for’ rule also applies – Huawei tech has never been accused of being robustly built.
So Optus has teamed up with HTC to release a budget variant of their One line. The HTC One X has saved the reputation of the company, providing massive power in a slim, well built chassis. The general consensus is that the One X is neck and neck with the Samsung Galaxy S3 as the very best Android handset. The One SV delivers most of the same important features, including processor speed, excellent design and of course, 4G.
Specifications
Display - 4.3” Super LCD2 WVGA 480x 800
Size (H x W x D) - 128 x 66.9 x 9.25mm
Weight - 115 g (with battery)
Processor - Qualcomm S4 Plus 1.2 GHz Dual Core
Internal Memory - RAM 1GB, ROM up to 8GB
Expandable Memory - SD support (SD2.0 SDHC)
Camera - 5MPix/BSI with F2.0 lens + image chip
Operating System - Android 4.0.4 + Sense 4.1
Bluetooth 4.0
3G NetworkGSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
4G Network - 1800/2600 MHz
Battery Stand-by Time - GSM: Up to 750 hours
Battery Talk Time - GSM: Up to 20 hours
Price
So the specs are definitely lo-fi when it comes to resolution, camera and on-board storage. But not so low that this is a bad phone by any means – HTC have been on their game lately, and the sleek polycarbonate body is worth the admission price. And what is that admission price?
The SV is available for as little as $41/month (including handset repayment price), but that’s with a very limited $200 credit and 200MB data. At $53, you get $500 credit, free SMS and 1GB of data, which is more like it. The total minimum cost over 24 months would be $1272.
Other options for cheap 4G
As mentioned before, the Huawei P1 Ascend is the usual budget option, but is no longer featured on any company website – you might have to venture into a store or call directly to find one.
If you’re looking at the grey market, your best options might be through Mobicity.com.au. They have the HTC One XL for $539, but bargain hunters might be happy with the LG P936 Optimus True HD for just $369.
Combine that with an Optus $50 SIM only 4G plan (same value as the $53 option listed above), and you’re effectively paying…about $1569.
So really, you’re better off buying a phone on a plan right now. Patience might be key here; some time in the first quarter of 2013, Optus is expected to open up their 4G network to their wholesale customers, so great value SIM only deals should become available through resellers like Amaysim, Dodo and iPrimus.
For more information on the latest mobile plans and offers, call us on 1300 106 571!